INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has suspended one of their priests after someone reported that they had been abused by the priest as a child.
Father John Maung, 79, has been suspended by the Archdiocese immediately following the report.
The Archdiocese released a statement Wednesday:
Fr. John Maung, a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has been suspended after an individual made a report to the Archdiocese that they were abused as a child several decades ago by Fr. Maung. The Archdiocese immediately made a report to civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Review Board.
Fr. Maung has denied the claim.
Fr. Maung served in the following parishes: St. Lawrence, Indianapolis; St. Gabriel, Connersville and St. Joseph, Shelbyville. He also resided at Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis. Following his retirement in 2009, Fr. Maung continued to help with sacramental needs at parishes in the Archdiocese.
Fr. Maung is prohibited from all public ministry while an investigation is pending.
If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill.
Father Maung has been prohibited from all public ministry while the investigation is pending.
Muang retired in 2009 but continued to help with sacramental needs at parishes in the Archdiocese.
Following the suspension of Father Muang, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson released this letter, calling for renewed transparency and accountability.
The Diocese of Gary also released a statement saying, "As we continue to struggle with the repercussions of the sexual abuse crisis in the Church, I urge all of us to not lose hope. [...] Those who have committed crimes of abuse and those who facilitated such crimes must be held accountable."
Read the full statement below.
